ThinkPad notebook computer battery packs

CPSC Recall #14-142 — March 27, 2014

Recall Summary

Recall Number14-142
Recall DateMarch 27, 2014
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 34,500 in the United States and 2,900 in Canada
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Computer and electronics stores
authorized dealers and online at www.lenovo.com nationwide from October 2010 through April 2011 for between $350 and $3
000 when sold as part of ThinkPad notebook computers. The battery packs were also sold separately for between $80 and $150.

Product

ThinkPad notebook computer battery packs

Description

The battery packs, which were sold with computers and separately, can overheat.

Hazard

The battery packs can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Lenovo has received two reports of the battery packs overheating, resulting in damage to the computer, battery pack and nearby property.  No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately turn off their ThinkPad notebook computer, remove the battery pack and contact Lenovo for a free replacement battery pack.  Consumers can continue to use their ThinkPad notebook without the battery pack by plugging in the AC adapter and power cord.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.